The visiting Pakistan national cricket team made an aggressive 301 for 5 at stumps in reply to Sri Lanka XI’s first innings score of 345 for 5 declared, on the second day of the three day side game at CCC Grounds yesterday.

Pakistan built their impressive score on a solid opening partnership which came off the bats of Khurram Manzoor and Salman Butt. Manzoor slammed 83 with six boundaries and four sixes while Butt made a punishing 102 ball 82 which contained thirteen fours and a towering six.

However, Pakistan failed to build on this cracking start and lost wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Yousin Khan chipped in with 37 off 40 balls but the Pakistani top order batsmen failed to check the spin of Muthumudalige Pushpakumara who finished with 3 for 83. He was ably supported by M.M.M Suraj who claimed 2 for 65.

Earlier Sri Lanka XI, continuing from their overnight score of 278 for 3, went on to make 345 for 5 declared with Chamara Kapugedera turning his half century (90 no) into a well deserved century. Kapugedara made 115 from 150 balls which had 11 hits to the ropes and three over it. He declared himself retired hurt.

Tilina Kandambi (21) and R.G.M.J.M Rupasinghe (19) were the other batsmen to make significant contributions to the Sri Lanka XI score.

Pakistan’s AbdurRauf was the pick among the visiting team’s bowlers and claimed 2 for 62.

Sri Lanka First Innings overnight 278 for 3 continued 345 for 5 declared in 89.5 overs

(C.Kapugedara 115 rtd hurt, Tilina Kandambi 21 no, R.G.M J.M Rupasinghe 19, Abdur Rauf 2 for 62)

Pakistan First Innings 301 for 5 in 72 overs at close

(Khurran Manzoor 83, Salman Butt 82, Younis Khan 37, Faisal Iqbal 21 no, Fawad Alam 40 no, M.Pushpakumara 3 for 83, M.M.M Suraj 2 for 65)